We all love the beach! Who wouldn’t? The sun on our faces, the sand on our toes, and the salt on our skin. It’s like being in paradise and one of the best places to relax and recharge.
But imagine you’re on the beach, walking by the shore and enjoying your vacation when suddenly… you saw a wild creature in the ocean! Seems fictional? I bet you won’t believe it if I tell you this happened in real life.
The Shock of her Life
It started like an ordinary day for Floridian Kimberly Klein. She was walking on the shores of Delray Beach when she spotted a wild animal that shouldn’t be there.
“When I moved here, every time I would pass any kind of water, I would look in just to see if I could see something, and I never did until today, “Kimberly told WPBF 25 News.
She saw a massive alligator thrashing in the waves along Delray Beach’s shores a few yards away from a crowded Atlantic Avenue. She estimated the gator to be around 10 feet long, already an intimidating feature. What added to that scare factor was that it was moving its tail in the water and its mouth opening the whole time showing off its sharp teeth.
Large Enough to Eat a Pooch!
Elyse Duff of the Starboard Group also walked along those shores that day. She was walking her dog, Olaf, on a leash, and he was only four pounds. That alligator could chomp her tiny pooch if it had the chance!
She said she was on the way to sell an oceanfront property when she saw the alligator. Their office was closest to the beach, and everyone in their office freaked out seeing the sneaky giant by the shore.
Not a Day for Tourists
Nathaniel and Lesley Cruz were on vacation in Delray Beach, Florida. They were planning to go for a swim and enjoy a little sun. However, they changed their minds and planned not to swim during their entire stay when they learned about the alligator by the beach.
According to the Army veterans, the ocean seemed too unpredictable, and they didn’t want to gamble on it. But they were lighthearted enough to joke, “that’s why we didn’t join the Navy!” That makes much sense.
Alligators in Oceans: Is it possible?
We all know that alligators are freshwater animals. Still, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Deputy Director Tom Harvey told Weather.com that alligator sightings in oceans are not unheard of, especially in Texas and Florida.
He explained that the rainy days in May might contribute to the rise of water levels in rivers that head towards the coast. This allows alligators to swim to the ocean since these creatures can tolerate saltwater. However, the sea is not their preferred habitat.
Alligators sighted on beaches like this occurrence in Florida are probably just lost. They would advise calling the local authorities to help remove the alligator from the sea and bring them back to their natural habitat.
What would you do if you saw an alligator by the beach during your vacation? Share your thoughts with us and share this story to your family and friends!
